Mandy asked
When will Airduo be available in the US? None of the pharmacies including, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Walmart carry it.
Answer
Airduo is a new inhaler for asthma that contains the same ingredients as Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol), although in different dosages as discussed below. Airduo is a very important launch as it represents first available generic inhaled corticosteroid/long acting beta agonist product in the United States. Previously, only branded products (e.g. Advair, Dulera, Symbicort) were available at a significant cost for many patients.
Teva, the manufacturer of Airduo, simultaneously released the brand name (Airduo) as well as the generic (fluticasone/salmeterol) to the market in April 2017.
Although Airduo and Advair contain the same ingredients, they are NOT considered interchangeable by the FDA and are not substitutable with one another as they come in different strengths and use different inhaler devices. Below, we point out a few of the main differences between Airduo and Advair.
Medication Strength
AirDuo is available in the following dosages:
- 55/14 mcg fluticasone/salmeterol
- 113/14 mcg fluticasone/salmaterol
- 232/14 mcg fluticasone/salmeterol
Advair Diskus is available in the following dosages:
- 100/50 mcg fluticasone/salmeterol
- 250/50 mcg fluticasone/salmeterol
- 500/50 mcg fluticasone/salmeterol
Advair HFA is available in the following dosages:
- 45/21 mcg fluticasone/salmeterol
- 115/21 mcg fluticasone/salmeterol
- 230/21 mcg fluticasone/salmeterol
Switching from Advair to Airduo can be challenging as the dosages between the two vary, sometimes significantly (especially in regard to the Advair Diskus product). Teva, the manufacturer of Airduo, suggests switching from Advair to the comparable 'low', 'medium', or 'high' strengths of AirDuo and alter therapy as needed based on response
Indications
- Advair is indicated by the FDA for the treatment of COPD and asthma.
- Airduo is indicated by the FDA only for the treatment of asthma. It is not indicated for the treatment of COPD.
There have not been any head to head studies testing which medication is more effective in regard to increasing FEV (forced expiratory volume), decreasing asthma exacerbation etc... Based on the data contained in the clinical trials for both medications, they appear to be relatively similar in effectiveness
Cost
Costs will vary depending on your insurance coverage. If you are paying out pocket, recent pricing reveals the following costs:
- Advair: $470 per 30 day supply
- Airduo: $275 per 30 day supply
- Airduo generic: $90 per 30 day supply
Device
Airduo is available as a 'Respiclick' inhaler while Advair is available as a 'Diskus' or as an 'HFA' inhaler. Below are pictures and a short description of each device.
Airduo
Although Airduo looks similar to your common albuterol 'rescue' inhaler, it actually contains a dry powder and is often referred to as a 'dry powder inhaler' or DPI. It does not contain a propellant or a medication canister. When the mouth piece is opened, it punctures a blister containing a single dose of medicine. A deep inhalation draws the powder from the device into your lungs. See the prescribing information for a more detailed explanation on proper dosing and medication use.
Advair Diskus
Like Airduo, the Advair Diskus is a dry powder inhaler, although it comes in a unique, disk shaped device. The dosing principles of Advair are the same as Airduo as it does not contain a propellant or medication canister. Each dose is blister packed and inhaled into your lungs
Advair HFA
Advair HFA is your traditional inhaler that contains a propellant (HFA) that delivers the medication to your lungs via a push of the actuator.
In regard to availability, as with many new drugs, your pharmacy may not stock Airduo at all times depending on demand. They should however be able to order it and have it arrive within one to three days. In addition, it is very possible they only carry the generic of Airduo (fluticasone; salmeterol), so be sure to ask about that specifically as well.
